How to Observe Memorial Day in Washington, D.C.

May 9, 2014 8:00 AM

(credit: Thinkstock)

Memorial Day honors all of the men and women who have passed away fighting for our country. All over the nation, veterans and supporters celebrate the work of these fallen heroes and remember their sacrifice. In the article Memorial Day Celebrations In Washington DC you can find some great ways to celebrate, and here are a few more.

National Memorial Day Concert
U.S. Capitol Building – West Lawn
First St., S.E.
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 226-8000www.pbs.org

Date: May 25, 2014 at 8 p.m.

For a quarter of a century, PBS has been celebrating Memorial Day with a concert in the nation’s capital. Hosted by Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, both vocal supporters of the military, the live telecast concert has become an American tradition. Visitors from around the country fill the West Lawn of U.S. Capitol Building, as the National Symphony Orchestra and military bands and choruses commemorate the occasion. And it is only right that the men and women stationed all around the world are given a chance to watch the event.

There are parades for every major and minor holiday in DC, but that doesn’t make the National Memorial Day Parade any less special. The relatively young parade, started in 2005, has become the largest Memorial Day celebration in the country. Covered by radio and television, the parade reaches millions of viewers, including deployed troops. It is an honor just to watch the various veterans and armed forces as they walk down Constitution Avenue.

National Museum of American History
14th St. and Constitution Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 633-1000www.americanhistory.si.edu

Memorial Day is partly about patriotism, and a museum solely dedicated to American History is very patriotic. The National Museum of American History has exhibits on everything from puppetry to electricity, all highlighting parts of American history. But for Memorial Day, you may want to pay special attention to the “The Price of Freedom: Americans At War,” “American Heroes” and “Stories From Maritime America.” These exhibits will bring home the message of Memorial Day.

The Vietnam War was marred with global disapproval, especially from Americans. Iconic protest songs were written about the controversy, and a whole movement was created. But regardless of the validity of the war, a large number of Americans fought and died in the war. And they have been honored and remembered with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. This moving memorial displays the name of every veteran who fought in the war. It is an important piece of history for the family members of those who gave their lives, as well as for the country as a whole.

Also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, The Marine Corps War Memorial is one of the overlooked memorials in DC. The memorial recognizes the members of U.S. Marine Corps who have sacrificed their lives for over two centuries. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph by Joe Rosenthal, the memorial brings that famous World World II image to life. Visit the memorial and reflect upon the sacrifices that the marines have made in American history.